Bikes on Amtrak

[MTBLover]

I'm not in SoCal, but seeing as the Amtrak Century is there (and not here on the East Coast), I was wondering how difficult it is to carry bikes (not folding ones) on Amtrak trains. I have to get from Philly to the Lancaster Covered Bridges Tour, and Amtrak might be the easiest way- I wouldn't have to rent a car. I've been to Amtrak's website and they give a number to call, but before I do, I just wanted to get your experience with this. Is it difficult to do?

Thanks!

[thomson]

It depends on the particular train. Some allow you to bring them aboard, some stow it as baggage. If the web doesn't say, best to call Amtrak.

[t4mv]

Amtrak has cardboard bike boxes that you can get @ the station ('sorry, I forgot how much they cost, but it's somewhat immaterial at this point), and you just bring some tools with you so you can take the pedals off, rotate the 'bars ~90*and maybe pop your SP/saddle off so it'll fit inside the box, seal it up, pays your money, and they take it and load it on the train and unload at the destination. I don't know if all Amtrak routes are like this, but it's pretty sure you can get there w/ a bike.

Edit: Here's (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&cid=1080080554487&c=am2Copy&ssid=43) a bit more info on bikes on Amtrak...

[DaveSANYYZ]

I've been on 2 Amtrak rides with a bike. One time I stored it in a cargo cart with bike lying sideways on a shelf (1 wheel off due to space). One time in passenger cart where there are bike wheel hooks on a wall for 3 bikes (no bike part disassembly).

[thomson]

With Amtrak, some of the trains have hooks inside the passenger cars to hang your own bike. Some allow you to wheel it into the baggage car. Some force you to box them. Check with Amtrak to be certain.

[trickmilla]

All the information is here. (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1080080554487&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FSimple_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy)